jbandt

Hi folks, I'm new to the forum and would like some input on good bike brands. I've had a full suspension bike from Walmart that was basically crap. Then I went to a used mtb that was stolen from my garage (it wasn't even a very good bike). Now I'm on a Raleigh hybrid/comfort bike. It's a good bike, but I've realized that at 6'3" it is a little small for me (seat post is out beyond the safety line by almost an inch and its still a little low). I'm using it commuting 6 miles round trip for work. I'd like to get something of better quality. I've been looking at the trek FX 7.1,7.2, and maybe the 7.3. This is the style that I'm looking for, but I don't know what the quality is compared to other brands. At 6'3" 275lbs I want something that will hold up for the long haul. In addition to my daily commute I'll occasionally go out for rides on the weekend that range from 20 to 50 miles. All of it is on road, but I'd like something that can handle a dirt/gravel path. Budget will probably be around 500 or less if possible. What do I look for?

no1mad 

Basically any model sourced from the LBS will be 'quality', but they will vary by 'value' and 'performance'. Most of the entry level hybrids in your price range like the lower FX line, Specialized Sirrus, Giant Escape and the like will fit your needs. Only problem that you might encounter will be the wheels. One that might be of interest to you is the Raleigh Misceo 1.0.

mcrow

Got to ride a Misceo 1.0, great bike and something like that is probably going to be my next bike.

To the OP,

Your problem with the Raleigh isn't with the bike but with you or the bike store staff not fitting you correctly. You probably should have been fitted with a bike with a larger frame.

ThermionicScott 

Something used.

Chris Chicago

Were I you I'd look for an 80s or 90s mtb in the largest size, 24in. they are priced 100 or lower. then I'd spiff it up to my liking with tires, maybe drop bars etc. trek made some big ones. schwinn did too. of course this advice is only good if you like to wrench on bikes

look for a long/tall head tube as indication it is near your size. like this



If you dont want to wrench than I'd advice going to your local bike shops and riding everything that looks appealing until you figure out what you like. And try out the Jamis coda, it might work for you

CommuteCommando

If you have to go to a big box (I avoid them for other reasons besides quality), go to Target and spend a little more for a Schwinn. You can get a Schwinn, or equal quality at a regular bike shop, and get better service, though it will cost a little more.

mcrow

Not all Schwinns seem to be great quality anymore though, but still a better option than other department store bikes. However, I agree on the big store thing. I think it's worth paying a little more at a bike store. With a bike shop you are getting a professionally assembled bike, most of the time they give you extra perks too like a free tune up. My bike shop gives free life time adjustments and 2 years free flat fixes. Not only that they should be able to get you a bike that is the right size.

jbandt

The Raleigh I bought used off CL so it's my fault that I bought something too small. I never really noticed until I started riding everyday to and from work. I'm always checking CL but its hard to find what I want. I actually saw a used trek 7.1 yesterday, but one size too small.


I think I'm going to go to a local shop to check fitment and prices today. Does anybody have experience with sporting goods stores like REI or sports authority? This the price range I'm looking for, bit not sure if the quality is any better than Target/Walmart bikes.

Thanks for all the feedback! It's very helpful.

mcrow

REI prices are really not any lower than comparable prices at a regular bike shop. However, most REIs have an acutal bike shop in them so they are better than a department store and they carry some good bike brands. I would still suggest a regular bike shop as the prices are going to be close the same for comparable bikes at a bike shop. Unless you catch a clearance sale prices are pretty well set from shop to shop for the same bike/brand. REI isn't likely sell the same bike cheaper than a bike shop does.

no1mad 

The main draws that REI offers are the return policy and their warranty of their private label Novara brand. Plus, they service what they sell.

Sports Authority, Dick's, and other big box sporting goods retailers pretty much sell a higher class of Xmart BSO's, but they don't offer service after the sale.

SlimRider

Welcome To Bike Forums, Jbandt!

Considering your awesome dimensions, I'd recommend that you immediately begin to scout out an old, used, 80's styled,10 speed, chromoly steel, road bike. The steel will lend you added support, and it won't count against you, somewhere down the road. If the components are operable, then the addtional peripheral cost should be curtailed to a minimum. Simply the extra cost of perhaps a new saddle and grips should be adequate.

Meanwhile, try to locate a bicycle co-op in your area. They should be able to assist you in locating a decent bicycle, or chromoly steel frame. You will be guided by seasoned veteran bicycle mechanics, as to how to build your frame into a genuine operating bicycle.

Good Luck!

fietsbob

Most Brand names in bike shops have multiple price points to offer a bike that
is at a reasonable price.. component suppliers have several strata of components
that will often be in common at a given price point , across the brands..

LeeG

6'3" 275 lbs.

REI Novara Buzz

martianone

a few years ago, at the end of season we got our your height son a bike shop rental bike - it had not been used much and was well maintained; it was about 50% of their regular price. put big apple tires on it- he road that bike pretty hard. when the front shock blew, replaced it with a steel fork - which seemed to improve its performance. it was a good choice for him and our pocket book.

jbandt

You must be psychic!! Went to local bike shop today. They had both the sirrus and the escape. Both were medium frame, so much to small for me but I rode both to get a feel. Sirrus was a solid fork, escape had front shock fork. Escape was about 70$ more. At first I thought I wanted the solid fork just to maximize speed,but boy it was rough in the mangled parking lot. The escape seemed much more comfortable. I spent about an hour talking to sales guy. He was very helpful and explained a lot of options. He even went over the warranty. One year warranty on parts. And free lifetime tuneups regardless of frequency. I was really impressed with this feature. Plus the guy was going to have larger bikes brought in so that I could go back and test out a correctly sized bike. I know I'm plugging the shop more than anything, but I did like both bikes and it seems like the service is top notch.

no1mad 

A couple of things....
1. The current Escape line up doesn't have a front shock in the U.S. market. So either you're outside CONUS, the shop swapped forks for some unknown reason, or you're a bit confused on the model.
2. When you go back to test ride the larger frames, double check the "free lifetime tuneups". 'Adjustments' are probably what he was talking about.

The two biggest slices of the LBS profit pie are accessories and service/repair. And since most shops don't have the space, they can't compete with online sources like Amazon for product selection or generally price (though shipping costs can eat up any potential savings). Which leaves the service/repair as the true lifeblood of the LBS. I don't think they'll be giving that up easily.

jbandt

Being a total newbie to the commute biking scene I'm probably misinterpreting the language some. We went over so much in an hour, that I'm not sure that quoted the rep correctly on the servicing issue. I will definitely clear that up when I go back. As for the front shock, I was confused. I noticed that the website shows no Escape with a front shock which confirms your statement, so I'm not sure what happened there. They may have changed it or maybe it wasn't the Escape, but I thought it was.

P.S. I've finally learned what LBS stands for. LOL!

SkippyX

+1

LeeG

I have to disagree with the suggestion for an '80's road bike for a 275lb person. Regular road tubing isn't stout enough and the wheels won't be either.

cyccommute 

Two problems. First jbrant's height, the pool of used bikes that fit him is extremely limited. Second, if you have to ask the question "What bike is right for me?" or something to that effect, you shouldn't be looking at used bikes.

Proves my point. Jbandt, get thee to a bike shop. You've already wasted your money on a bike that isn't right for you. Save your self some cash and by the right size from a dealer. Yes, it will cost more than a Craigslist bike but you won't save money by buying the wrong bike. I'd not worry too much about your weight but concentrate on your height. At 6'3", your size of frame is relatively rare. In the Trek FX series, you should ride the 22.5" (largest one they make). The 7.1 FX is a good place to start. The price is in your range and it's rugged enough.

Other brands and models to look at are the Specialized Sirrius, Kona Dew, Jamis Coda and others. Most all of them are going to do the job without problems. I would suggest that you stay away from any bike that has low spoke count wheels like the higher end Treks, for example.

cyccommute 

As with buying off Craigslist, this is only an option if you know what you are doing. And it certainly, even with a bike co-op, isn't a cheaper option in the long run. If...and that is a big if...you know what you are doing, you might be able to score a good bike. But diamonds are rare and there is a lot of rough to sort through. An old bike can be a constant drain on resources, i.e. time and money. Better for a newbie who doesn't know much about bikes to buy new from a shop. Paying for something twice...which jbrandt has already done...isn't economical. The saying "pennywise and pound foolish" comes to mind.

fietsbob

the 'shop the bike shop first then the bike second', chorus, always welcomes new members..

mcrow

From my POV it is better spend a little more, get a new bike that fits you right and that will not punish you while riding it because of poor fit or being in poor condition.

Used bikes are great if you know how to evaluate a bike properly and know how a bike should fit.

I don't know enough about fitting and barley enough about evaluating bike condition, so I just decided to pay an extra $50-$75 and buy a new bike that an experienced cyclists/mechanic/Bike sales rep fitted me with. Not only that but I get a free tune-up in the first year, life time adjustments, free flat fixes for 2 years, life time parts defect warranty, and guaranteed emergency rides home if my bike breaks down. After the first year I get one half-price tune-up per year.


These are things you won't get with a used bike most of the time and probably won't get all of that at REI either.

jbandt

Thanks for all the help. I think I definitely will choose new over used this time around. Its just too hard to find something large enough used in the style I'm looking for, plus like cyccommute said there would be additional costs to get the a used bike set up the way want which would negate at least some of the savings. Plus, there is added bonus of adjustments and warranty which I really like if I'm going to shell out this kind of money.

I may need to start a new thread for this, but I know there is a lot of info on tires and tubes. Can anybody direct to something that is less likely to puncture.

Leebo

Think about a rigid 29er. They fit a larger person better and the wheels should hold up. Not sure about that $ 500.00 price range.